A truant is a student who stays away from school without permission or an explanation. Truancy laws are designed to encourage school attendance by creating simple court procedures through which children are held accountable for excessive school absences. The courts focus on the best interest of the child when addressing the truant conduct of a child.

Truant conduct is usually prosecuted or addressed as a civil (noncriminal) matter, and the definition and procedures for dealing with truancy are usually located in a state's statutes—often in the family code or education code.

In Michigan, truancy laws are established to ensure that children attend school regularly, as education is considered essential for a child's development and future opportunities. Truancy is defined as repeated, unexcused absences from school, and Michigan law requires children aged 6 to 18 to attend school. When a student is truant, the school is typically the first to address the issue, often through an attendance officer or other school officials. If initial interventions fail, the matter can be referred to the court system. Under the Michigan Compiled Laws, specifically within the Revised School Code and the Probate Code, truancy may be addressed through the family division of the circuit court. The court may order a variety of interventions focused on the best interest of the child, which can include counseling, community service, educational programs, or involvement in a truancy prevention program. The goal is to address the underlying issues causing truancy and to help the student return to regular school attendance rather than to punish the child. Parents or guardians may also be held accountable for their child's truancy and can face legal consequences if they fail to ensure their child's regular attendance at school.